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A review by sofiadanielle
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Okay. So I don’t really get the hate this book gets, nor the resemblance to the Hunger Games series, other than a game to the death taking place, in which people watch? I feel like that comparison alone makes people dislike the book, when, if you’re not comparing the series, you’re much more open to enjoying the story.
That being said, I do understand the qualms people have with the narration and some plot holes. I agree that there’s a lot of times where the world building just felt a bit info-dump-like, instead of immersive. And yes, sometimes I wish the characters were more fleshed out. I also see that the romance aspect seems out of nowhere, and while I somewhat agree, it sort of reminds me of Alice in Borderland type of romance. where it’s sort of out of left field and feels funny, but when put in a life or death situation.. I guess it makes sense.
Anyway! All that out of the way, I did still enjoy the story. I found that I basically read half the book in one day, unable to put it down. I feel that once you get the rhythm of action going, especially by the end, it’s easy to want to keep going. The story was genuinely interesting to me, even if some mechanics of the fantasy element are still somewhat confusing and needing clarification. I found this use of qi much more enthralling and interesting, than say, Jade City..!
Overall a good read despite the flaws I’ve seen acknowledged. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the trilogy when they release.
That being said, I do understand the qualms people have with the narration and some plot holes. I agree that there’s a lot of times where the world building just felt a bit info-dump-like, instead of immersive. And yes, sometimes I wish the characters were more fleshed out. I also see that the romance aspect seems out of nowhere, and while I somewhat agree, it sort of reminds me of Alice in Borderland type of romance. where it’s sort of out of left field and feels funny, but when put in a life or death situation.. I guess it makes sense.
Anyway! All that out of the way, I did still enjoy the story. I found that I basically read half the book in one day, unable to put it down. I feel that once you get the rhythm of action going, especially by the end, it’s easy to want to keep going. The story was genuinely interesting to me, even if some mechanics of the fantasy element are still somewhat confusing and needing clarification. I found this use of qi much more enthralling and interesting, than say, Jade City..!
Overall a good read despite the flaws I’ve seen acknowledged. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the trilogy when they release.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder